Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Theophylline: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Ethinyl estradiol inhibits CYP1A2 and can reduce theophylline clearance. Levels may rise into the toxic range, causing tachycardia, tremor, nausea or seizures.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Theophylline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP1A2-mediated theophylline metabolism by ethinyl estradiol.
What to do
Monitor serum theophylline concentrations and adjust the dose when the contraceptive is started or stopped.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Other interactions of Theophylline
- Riociguat + Theophylline Contraindicated
- Adenosine + Theophylline Major
- Apalutamide + Theophylline Major
- Bupropion + Theophylline Major
- Carvedilol + Theophylline Major
- Cimetidine + Theophylline Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Theophylline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Ethinyl estradiol inhibits CYP1A2 and can reduce theophylline clearance. Levels may rise into the toxic range, causing tachycardia, tremor, nausea or seizures.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Theophylline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum theophylline concentrations and adjust the dose when the contraceptive is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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